The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected low back disability and associated lower extremity radiculopathies. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not establish an in-service onset or diagnosis of diabetes, nor continuity of symptoms since service, despite a current diagnosis. The Veteran's low back disability and associated lower extremity radiculopathies meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their impact on his ability to perform substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus, Low back disability with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25054474
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding no evidence that his death was related to any injury or disease in service, including exposure to herbicide agents.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, as the evidence did not support the need for insulin or episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization.
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